In 2004, Nil Hari Bastola established Asian Heritage Treks & Travels. The agency specialises in providing one-of-a-kind travel experiences in Nepal, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the region's rich culture and natural beauty. It provides a variety of travel packages, such as trekking, cultural tours, and adventurous activities, to suit a wide range of interests and preferences.
A few years later, in 2009, Bastola took another significant step by establishing the Asian Heritage Foundation Nepal. The foundation's mission is to improve the lives of the poorest rural residents, particularly children and women, as well as other disadvantaged groups. Its main goal is to provide opportunities for socioeconomic development to those in need.
Asian Heritage Treks & Travels actively supports community-based tourism projects in collaboration with local and international development organisations. This helps generate revenue in Nepal's remote and poor neighbourhoods. These projects are intended to be sustainable and beneficial to the local community. They provide visitors with unique and authentic cultural experiences, such as staying in local homes, participating in traditional ceremonies, and learning about the local way of life. These activities not only provide tourists with memorable experiences, but they also help to preserve local traditions, improve welfare, and promote environmental conservation.
The foundation's most notable achievement is the establishment of a fully equipped community hospital in Necha village, Solukhumbu district. This hospital provides vital healthcare services to the local population, which previously had limited access to medical care. The hospital is staffed by trained medical professionals and has modern medical facilities, ensuring that the community receives high-quality healthcare. This initiative has significantly improved the health and well-being of Necha village residents and their communities.
In addition to healthcare, the foundation has actively worked to improve agricultural practices in the region. It provides local farmers with modern agricultural training programmes to help them increase productivity and income. These programmes teach farmers about sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, and resource efficiency. Farmers who adopt these practices can increase their yields, reduce their reliance on traditional farming methods, and achieve greater economic stability.
Empowering women is another important aspect of the foundation's work. It has carried out training initiatives in Solukhumbu, Khotang, and Okhaldhunga, involving 18 Village Development Committees (VDCs). These training programmes aim to provide women with the skills and knowledge they need to become economically independent and self-reliant. The programmes include vocational training, literacy classes, and entrepreneurship development. By empowering women, the foundation improves their social and economic status, allowing them to make a more effective contribution to their communities.
The Asian Heritage Foundation Nepal's various initiatives have had a significant impact on the lives of many people in rural Nepal. Its efforts in healthcare, agriculture, and women's empowerment have resulted in positive outcomes and created new opportunities for socioeconomic development. The foundation and Asian Heritage Treks & Travels continue to support community-based tourism and development projects, which help to build a brighter future for Nepal's poorer communities.
About Asian Heritage Treks & Travels
Asian Heritage Treks & Expeditions is a highly experienced, professional and dynamic agency that provides personalized customer-centric service and products. We offer a wide variety of products, ranging from a day hike tours, spiritual tours, summit expeditions, adventure activities, all the way to tailor-made treks in South-Asian countries. Our customers share our passion for active travel, cultural immersion, nature, and sustainable and socially responsible tourism.